TEHRAN, Iran: Israel claimed on Thursday it had killed a senior commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) navy in an overnight air strike, intensifying its campaign against Tehran’s military leadership amid the ongoing regional conflict.
Defence Minister Israel Katz said an Israeli strike had killed Commodore Alireza Tangsiri, head of the naval arm of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), along with other senior officers.
“Last night, in a precise and lethal operation, the IDF eliminated the commander of the Revolutionary Guards’ navy, Tangsiri, along with senior officers of the naval command,” Katz said in a video statement.
He accused Tangsiri of overseeing operations to mine and block the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route.
“The man who was directly responsible for the operation of mining and blocking the Strait of Hormuz to shipping was blown up and eliminated,” Katz added.
No Iranian confirmation
Iranian authorities did not immediately confirm the killing. Officials have previously denied Israeli claims regarding high-profile assassinations.
The reported strike comes as Israel continues to target Iran’s military leadership and infrastructure following the start of the war involving the United States and Israel on February 28.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the killing as part of ongoing joint efforts with Washington.
“This is yet another example of the co-operation between us and our friend, the United States,” Netanyahu said in a video message, adding that Israel would continue to “forcefully strike” targets across Iran.
He said that Tangsiri had played a leading role in efforts to block shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Katz said the strike should serve as a “clear message” to Iranian military leaders that Israel would continue to pursue them.
Key figure in IRGC naval operations
Tangsiri had led the IRGC navy since 2018, after serving as its deputy commander from 2010. He was known for his stance against the United States and Israel.
In past statements, he warned that Iran could close the Strait of Hormuz if its oil exports were disrupted.
He was sanctioned by the United States in 2019 following the downing of a US surveillance drone near the strait.
Recent posts attributed to him on social media reiterated that vessels linked to countries opposing Iran would not be allowed to transit the strategic waterway.
In recent days, Israeli forces have intensified attacks on Iran’s naval capabilities. Last week, Israeli air strikes targeted Iranian naval vessels in the Caspian Sea, including missile-equipped ships and support craft.
Israel has also claimed to have killed several senior Iranian officials since the start of the conflict, including top political and security figures.
